Information processing apparatus and information processing system including a display that displays plurality of control screens

ABSTRACT

The information processing apparatus includes a display. The information processing apparatus accepts user operations via a GUI (graphical user interface) displayed on the display. The operation screen is displayed on the display. On the operation screen, an operation guidance portion, including a message for providing operation guidance to the user, and a plurality of operation keys for accepting user operations are displayed. A part of the operation guidance portion is colored in a first color, the operation keys which are the first type of operation key are colored in the first color, and the operation keys which are the second type of operation key are not colored in the first color.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus andan information processing system, and particularly to an informationprocessing apparatus and an information processing system that provide apredetermined service to a user.

Description of the Background Art

An example of such according to the background art is disclosed inJapanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-226301. An imageprocessing apparatus according to the background art includes a displayand accepts user operations via a GUI (graphical user interface)displayed on the display. As the GUI, a plurality of operation screensrelated to a predetermined service provided by the image processingapparatus are sequentially displayed on the display. A plurality ofoperation keys for accepting user operations are displayed on each ofthe plurality of operation screens.

However, in the image processing apparatus according to the backgroundart, a user who is unfamiliar with operations may mistakenly operate anunintended operation key, or hesitate to operate the operation key andtake a long time on the operation, so there is room for improvement interms of operability.

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novelinformation processing apparatus and information processing system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an informationprocessing apparatus and an information processing system capable ofimproving operability in a GUI that includes a plurality of operationscreens.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The first invention is an information processing apparatus that providesa predetermined service to a user, and includes a display and displaycontroller for displaying an operation screen for executing thepredetermined service, on the display. On the operation screen, anoperation guidance portion including a message for providing operationguidance to the user and a plurality of operation keys for acceptinguser operations are displayed. At least a part of the operation guidanceportion is colored in a first color. The plurality of operation keysinclude a first type of operation key that is colored in the first colorand a second type of operation key that is not colored in the firstcolor.

The second invention is an information processing apparatus dependent onthe first invention, in which the operation guidance portion includes anindicator image arranged adjacent to the message and the indicator imageis colored in the first color.

The third invention is an information processing apparatus dependent onthe first or second invention, and a part of the first type of operationkey is colored in the first color.

The fourth invention is an information processing apparatus dependent onthe first invention, and the first type of operation key includes atransition key to which a function for advancing to the next operationscreen is assigned.

The fifth invention is an information processing apparatus dependent onthe fourth invention in which the display area of the display isrectangular, and the operation guidance portion is arranged along afirst side of the display area and the transition key is arranged alonga second side, from among the sides of the display area, opposite thefirst side.

The sixth invention is an information processing apparatus dependent onthe fifth invention, in which the operation guidance portion is arrangedin a first corner portion from among the corner portions of the displayarea, and the transition key is arranged in a second corner portion,from among the corner portions of the display area, opposite the firstcorner portion.

The seventh invention is an information processing apparatus dependenton the fourth invention, in which the display controller switches aplurality of operation screens and displays them on the display and whenthe condition for advancing to the next operation screen is notsatisfied, the transition key is colored in a color different from thefirst color, and when the condition for advancing to the next operationscreen is satisfied, the transition key is colored in the first color.

The eighth invention is an information processing apparatus dependent onthe first invention, and the first type of operation key includes asetting key for setting an operating condition for a predeterminedservice and the setting key is colored in the first color when operated.

The ninth invention is an information processing system that includes aninformation processing apparatus according to the first invention and animage forming apparatus capable of communicating with the informationprocessing apparatus, and a predetermined service is executed by thecooperation of the information processing apparatus and the imageforming apparatus.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improveoperability in a GUI that includes a plurality of operation screens.

The above object, other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be more apparent from the following detailed descriptionof embodiments with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing an external configuration of aninformation processing system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration ofthe information processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration ofthe image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing an example of a home screen.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing an example of a color settingscreen.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing another example of a colorsetting screen.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing an example of a guidance screen.

FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing an example of a final settingscreen.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing an example of a memory map of theRAM of the information processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing an example of a memory map ofthe RAM of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of information processing ofthe CPU shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing an example of a color settingscreen in the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an illustrative view showing another example of a colorsetting screen in the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an illustrative view showing an example of a guidance screenin the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of information processing inthe second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of aninformation processing system 100 according to the present invention.Referring to FIG. 1 , the information processing system 100 according tothe first embodiment of the present invention includes an informationprocessing apparatus 10 and an image forming apparatus 70.

The information processing apparatus 10 is a multimedia kiosk (MMK)terminal arranged in stores such as a supermarket, a restaurant or aconvenience store, and public facilities such as a station, a busterminal, an airport, a government office or a library. The informationprocessing apparatus 10 provides a person who is a user (user) withvarious information or a predetermined service (function) according tothe place where the information processing apparatus 10 is arranged.Further, as will be described in detail later, the informationprocessing apparatus 10 can also provide predetermined services such ascopying, printing, scanning, and faxing to the user in cooperation withthe image forming apparatus 70.

In this specification, the front-rear direction (depth direction) of theinformation processing apparatus 10 and its constituent members isdefined by the surface facing the user's standing position, that is, thesurface on the side where the display 14 described later is provided,being the front surface (front). The left-right direction (horizontaldirection) of the information processing apparatus 10 and itsconstituent members is defined based on the state in which the user seesthe information processing apparatus 10. These matters also apply to theimage forming apparatus 70.

The information processing apparatus 10 includes an apparatus main body28 including a display 14 with a touch panel 12, a storage mediumconnection unit 16, a paper-piece printer 18, a code reader 20, ashort-range communication unit 22, a currency processing unit 24, and aphotographic printer 26.

The display 14 with the touch panel 12 is arranged at the upper end ofthe information processing apparatus 10 (apparatus main body 28). Thetouch panel 12 is a general-purpose touch panel, and may employ any typeof touch panel such as an electrostatic capacitance type, anelectromagnetic induction type, a resistance film type, and an infraredtype. In the first embodiment, an electrostatic capacitance type touchpanel is employed as the touch panel 12, and the touch panel 12 isprovided on the display surface of the display 14. However, a touchpanel display in which the touch panel 12 and the display 14 areintegrally formed may be employed. Further, an LCD or anelectro-luminescence (EL) display can be employed as the display 14.

The display 14 has a rectangular display area, and software keys(operation keys) for accepting user operations are displayed in thisdisplay area. A software key is, for example, a key (icon) reproduced bysoftware on the display surface of the display 14 with the touch panel12.

The storage medium connection unit 16 includes a mounting unit (forexample, a drive and a memory slot) for mounting various storage media.Various storage media include optical disks (such as CD-R, DVD-R andBD-R) and flash memory (such as USB memory, SD memory cards and memorysticks). Notably, optical discs are mounted in the drive. Also, flashmemory is mounted in the memory slot.

The paper-piece printer 18 (third image forming unit) is, for example, athermal printer (heat-sensitive printer) or a dot impact printer, thatissues a piece of paper on which an image such as a receipt, a proof ofpurchase, a journal, or a coupon is printed. Specifically, thepaper-piece printer 18 prints various character strings, images, codepatterns (bar codes, etc.) on roll paper, and discharges printedpaper-pieces from the paper ejection unit 18 a.

The code reader 20 includes, for example, a laser scanner or a camera,and can read codes attached to a product, a card, a receipt, or thelike, or codes displayed on the screen of a user terminal (mobileterminal). The codes that can be read by the code reader 20 include barcodes (one-dimensional bar codes) and two-dimensional codes (forexample, QR codes (registered trademark), micro QR codes, DataMatrix,MaxiCode, VeriCode, etc).

The short-range communication unit 22 performs non-contact datacommunication wirelessly with a communication target such as an IC card(identification card, membership card, employee ID card, etc.) or a userterminal or the like in accordance with a communication standard such asISO/IEC18092 (referred to as NFC (Near Field Communication)), forexample. The communicable distance of the short-range communication unit22 is approximately from several cm to several m. The short-rangecommunication unit 22 transmits a signal (reading command) instructingthe communication target to read the data stored in the communicationtarget. The communication target transmits the requested data to theshort-range communication unit 22 as a response to the reading command.Further, the short-range communication unit 22 transmits a signal(writing command) instructing the communication target to write,together with data (writing data) to be written, to the communicationtarget. The communication target writes (stores) the received write datain the storage unit of the communication target according to the writecommand.

The currency processing unit 24 includes a currency insertion unit 24 aand a coin return port 24 b. The currency insertion unit 24 a includes acoin insertion port, a bill insertion port, a change return lever, andthe like, and is arranged below the short-range communication unit 22.The coins inserted into the coin insertion port and the bills insertedinto the bill insertion port are classified according to type and storedin a predetermined currency storage unit (not shown). The currencystorage unit includes a storage unit for coins and a storage unit forbills. When coins or bills are inserted, the amount of inserted money iscalculated according to the type and number of coins stored in thestorage unit for coins and the type and number of bills stored in thestorage unit for bills. When a predetermined service or the like isexecuted in the information processing apparatus 10, the cost accordingto the content of the service is subtracted from the amount of insertedmoney, and the remainder of the amount of inserted money is calculated.When the change return lever is operated, coins or bills are returnedaccording to the remainder of the amount of inserted money. However, thecoins are returned through the coin return port 24 b provided below thecurrency insertion unit 24 a, and the bills are returned through thebill insertion port.

The photographic printer 26 (second image forming unit) is, for example,a dye-diffusion printer or an inkjet printer that prints an image onphotographic paper (photograph paper). The photograph printed by thephotographic printer 26 is discharged to the discharge unit 26 a.However, image data stored in the storage medium connected to thestorage medium connection unit 16, image data transmitted from anexternal computer, or the like, is used as the image data for forming animage on the paper. The size of the photograph printed by thephotographic printer 26 is an L size, a 2 L size, or the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration ofthe information processing apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 .Referring to FIG. 2 , the information processing apparatus 10 includes aCPU 32. The CPU 32 is connected via a bus 60 to the RAM 34, the ROM 36,the touch panel control circuit 38, the display control circuit 40, thestorage medium connection unit 16, the paper-piece printer 18, the codereader 20, the short-range communication unit 22, the currencyprocessing unit 24, the photographic printer 26 and the communicationcircuit 44. The touch panel control circuit 38 is connected to a touchpanel 12, and the display control circuit 40 is connected to a display14.

The CPU 32 manages the overall control of the information processingapparatus 10. The RAM 34 is used as a work area and a buffer area of theCPU 32. The ROM 36 stores default values for various information and thestartup program of the information processing apparatus 10.

The touch panel control circuit 38 applies a voltage, or the like,necessary for the touch panel 12, detects a touch operation or a touchinput within a valid touch range of the touch panel 12, and outputs, tothe CPU 32, the touch coordinate data indicating the position of thetouch input.

The display control circuit 40 includes a GPU, a VRAM, and the like.Under instructions from the CPU 32, the GPU generates, in the VRAM,display image data for displaying various screens on the display 14using image generation data stored in the RAM 34, and outputs thegenerated display image data to the display 14.

The communication circuit 44 is a communication circuit for connectingto a network such as the Internet. The communication circuit 44 is awired communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit, andcommunicates with an external computer (external terminal) such as aserver via a network according to instructions from the CPU 32. However,the communication circuit 44 is wired or wireless (for example, infraredsystem, WiFi (registered trademark) system or Bluetooth (Bluetooth;registered trademark) system) without going through a network. It istherefore possible to directly communicate with the image formingapparatus 70, the user terminal, and the like.

Note that the electrical configuration of the information processingapparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 is merely one example, and is notlimiting.

Returning to FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus 70 is a multifunctiondevice (MFP: Multifunction peripheral) having a photocopying function, aprinter function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, or the like.

The image forming apparatus 70 includes an apparatus main body 80including an image reader 72, an image forming unit 74, a paper feedingdevice 76, and a paper ejection tray 78. However, the image formingapparatus 70 is installed in the vicinity of the information processingapparatus 10. For example, the image forming apparatus 70 is providedadjacent to the right side of the information processing apparatus 10.

The image reader 72 includes a document placement table formed of atransparent material, and is inside the apparatus main body 80. Adocument holding cover 72 a is attached above the document placementtable so it can be opened and closed via a hinge or the like.

Further, the image reader 72 includes a light source, a plurality ofmirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like. The image reader72 exposes the surface of the document to a light source, and guides thereflected light reflected from the surface of the document to theimaging lens with a plurality of mirrors. Then, the reflected light isimaged on the light receiving element of the line sensor by the imaginglens. The line sensor detects the brightness or chromaticity of thereflected light imaged on the light receiving element, and generatesread image data based on the image on the surface of the document. Asthe line sensor, a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact ImageSensor) or the like is used.

The image forming unit 74 (first image forming unit) is built in theapparatus main body 80 and is provided below the image reader 72. Theimage forming unit 74 includes a photoconductive drum, a chargingdevice, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, afixing device, and the like. The image forming unit 74 forms an image byan electrophotographic method on a recording medium (paper) conveyedfrom the paper feeding device 76, or the like, and the paper with animage formed thereon is discharged to the paper ejection tray 78provided between the image reader 72 and the image forming unit 74.However, the image data read by the image reader 72, the image datatransmitted from the information processing apparatus 10, or the imagedata transmitted from an external computer (such as a server) is used asthe image data for forming an image on the paper.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration ofthe image forming apparatus 70 illustrated in FIG. 1 . Referring to FIG.3 , the image forming apparatus 70 includes a CPU 82. The RAM 84, theHDD 86, the image reader 72, the image forming unit 74, and thecommunication circuit 92 are connected to the CPU 82 via the bus 90.

The CPU 82 manages the overall control of the image forming apparatus70. The RAM 84 is used as a work area and a buffer area of the CPU 82.

The HDD 86 is the main storage device of the image forming apparatus 70,and stores, as appropriate, a control program for the CPU 82 to controlthe operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 70, displayimage data of various screens, and the like. However, other non-volatilememory such as SSD, flash memory, EEPROM may be used instead of the HDD86 or together with the HDD 86.

The communication circuit 92 is a communication circuit for connectingto a network such as the Internet. The communication circuit 92 is awired communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit, andcommunicates with an external computer such as a server via a networkaccording to instructions from the CPU 82. However, the communicationcircuit 92 can also directly communicate with the information processingapparatus 10 wired or wirelessly without going through a network.

The electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 70illustrated in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and is not limiting.

In the information processing system 100 having such a configuration,the information processing apparatus 10 accepts user operations via theGUI displayed on the display 14. Specifically, an operation screen,including a plurality of operation keys, is displayed on the display 14of the information processing apparatus 10, and user operations areaccepted in response to touch input into the touch panel 12.

However, in a conventional information processing apparatus, a user whois unfamiliar with the operations of the apparatus may mistakenlyoperate an unintended operation key, or hesitate to operate theoperation key and take a long time on the operation, so there is roomfor improvement in terms of operability.

Hereinafter, a specific operation example of the information processingsystem 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8 . When in astandby state in which each function can be executed by turning on themain power of the information processing apparatus 10 and the imageforming apparatus 70, the home screen 110 as shown in FIG. 4 isdisplayed on the display 14 of the information processing apparatus 10.The home screen 110 is an operation screen for selecting a service. Onthe home screen 110, a plurality of keys 112 for selecting a serviceprovided by the information processing system 100 are displayed.

Each of the plurality of keys 112 is an image surrounded by asubstantially rectangular frame, and functions as a software key. Foreach of the plurality of keys 112, a service such as “Copy”, “Print fromsmartphone”, “Print from recording media”, “Fax”, “Scan”,“Photograph/document print”, “Network print” and “Administrativeservice” is assigned.

The copy service includes a service for copying (photocopying) an imageof a document such as paperwork on normal paper (normal copy service)and a service for copying a photograph image on photograph paper(photograph copy service). In addition, the “print from smartphone”service is a print service that uses image data stored in a mobileterminal such as a smartphone, and the “print from recording media”service is a print service that uses image data stored in a storagemedium, and the “network print” service is a print service that usesimage data transmitted from an external computer (server for networkprint service). Furthermore, “administrative service” is a print servicethat prints administrative certificates. In each print service, an imageforming unit can be selected (specified) from a plurality of imageforming units (for example, from an image forming unit 74 (first imageforming unit) and a photographic printer 26 (second image forming unit))to perform printing. For example, a selection screen including aselection key for selecting an image forming unit to print is displayedon the display 14 of the information processing apparatus 10, that is,choices are presented to the user for selecting an image forming unit toprint from a plurality of image forming units and it is possible toprint from the selected image forming unit.

When the key 112 is touched (operated) on the home screen 110, that is,when a service is selected, a plurality of operation screens for settingoperating conditions of the selected service are sequentially displayedon the display 14. In the information processing apparatus 10 or theimage forming apparatus 70, the service is executed according to theoperating conditions set on the setting screen.

For example, when the copy service is selected, that is, when the key112 to which the copy service is assigned is operated (the copy serviceis selected), on the home screen 110, a plurality of operation screens(copy setting screens) for setting the operating conditions (copyconditions) of the copy service are sequentially displayed on thedisplay 14. For example, the display 14 displays a color setting screen120 as shown in FIG. 5 .

The color setting screen 120 is a screen for setting a color mode (colorcondition) in the copy service, and is one of a plurality of operationscreens for setting the operating conditions of the copy service. Thecolor setting screen 120 includes an operation guidance portion 122, asetting unit 124, and a progress display bar 126 in addition to aplurality of operation keys (end key 120 a, transition key 120 b, andback key 120 c).

The end key 120 a is an operation key for ending the service that isbeing received. When the end key 120 a is operated, the contents set upto that point are reset, and the home screen 110 is displayed on thedisplay 14. This also applies to the end keys 130 a and 140 a describedlater.

Further, the end key 120 a is configured to have a substantiallyrectangular frame (frame line), a background area surrounded by theframe, and a character string indicating setting content. However, thecharacter string is arranged in the frame (background area). The sameapplies to the end keys 130 a and 140 a of other screens and otheroperation keys (transition key, setting key, and back key) describedlater.

The transition key 120 b is an operation key for advancing(transitioning) to the next operation screen. However, the transitionkey 120 b includes, in addition to the frame, the background area, andthe character string, a graphic image having a predetermined shapeindicating advancement to the next operation screen. Further, thegraphic image is arranged in the background area. This also applies tothe transition key 130 b described later.

When the transition key 120 b is operated, the display 14 displays theoperation screen that comes after the operation screens previouslydisplayed. This also applies to the transition keys 130 b and 140 bdescribed later. However, depending on the type of operation screen, itis not possible, in some cases, to advance to the next operation screenunless the operating conditions of the service are set (selected). Thescreen for setting the operating conditions of the service is disableduntil the operating conditions of the service are set. Since the colorsetting screen 120 is a screen for setting the operating conditions ofthe service, in the case of the color setting screen 120, the transitionkey 120 b is disabled until the color conditions are set. Therefore, thetransition key 120 b cannot be operated until reaching a state whereadvancement to the next operation screen is possible, that is, until thecolor condition is set.

Further, the transition key 120 b is arranged in a corner portion of thedisplay area of the display 14. For example, it is arranged in the lowerright corner portion of the display area of the display 14. In otherwords, the transition key 120 b is arranged along the right side and thelower side of the display area of the display 14. The position of thetransition key 120 b in this embodiment is an example, and may bearranged at any of the upper right, upper left, and lower left cornerportions of the display area of the display 14.

The back key 120 c is an operation key for returning to the previousoperation screen. When the back key 120 c is operated, the content seton the operation screen is reset and the screen returns to the previousoperation screen. When the back key 120 c is operated on the firstoperation screen among the plurality of operation screens for settingthe operating conditions, the set content is reset and the screenreturns to the home screen 110. This also applies to the back keys 130 cand 140 c described later.

The operation guidance portion 122 includes a message (notificationtext) 122 a and an indicator image 122 b. The operation guidance portion122 is arranged along a side opposite to the side along which thetransition key 120 b is arranged. For example, since the transition key120 b is arranged along the right side of the display area of thedisplay 14 in the left-right direction, the operation guidance portion122 is arranged along the left side of the display area of the display14. Further, since the transition key 120 b is arranged along the lowerside of the display area of the display 14 in the vertical direction,the operation guidance portion 122 is arranged along the upper side ofthe display area of the display 14. That is, the operation guidanceportion 122 is arranged along a corner portion opposite the cornerportion along which the transition key 120 b is arranged. For example,since the transition key 120 b is arranged in the lower right cornerportion of the display area of the display 14, the operation guidanceportion 122 is arranged in the upper left corner portion of the displayarea of the display 14.

The example shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and the verticalrelationship and the left-right relationship of the transition key 120 band the operation guidance portion 122 may be reversed. For example, thetransition key 120 b may be arranged at the lower left corner portion ofthe display area of the display 14, and the operation guidance portion122 may be arranged at the upper right corner portion of the displayarea of the display 14. The positional relationship between thetransition key 120 b and the operation guidance portion 122 is the samefor the transition keys 130 b and 140 b described later and theoperation guidance portions 132 and 142 described later.

The message 122 a is provided to provide operation guidance to the user.On the color setting screen 120, a message 122 a such as, “Select acolor type and click ‘Next’.” is displayed on the operation guidanceportion 122 to prompt the selection of the color mode in the copyservice.

The indicator image 122 b is an image for attracting the user'sattention to the operation guidance portion 122, and is displayedadjacent to the message 122 a.

Further, at least either of the message 122 a or the indicator image 122b, that is, a part of the operation guidance portion 122 is colored witha predetermined color (first color). In the example shown in FIG. 5 ,the indicator image 122 b is colored in the first color (for example,yellow), and the message 122 a is in the second color (for example,black) other than the first color. Conversely, the message 122 a may becolored in a first color (such as yellow) and the indicator image 122 bmay be a second color (such as black). Further, both the indicator image122 b and the message 122 a (all of the operation guidance portion 122)may be colored in the first color. Further, a frame line surrounding themessage 122 a and the indicator image 122 b may be displayed. In thiscase, the frame line may be colored in the first color, or the areainside the frame line may be colored in the first color. In the presentembodiment, the first color is yellow in order to attract the attentionof the user, but a color other than yellow may be used if it can attractthe attention of the user.

The setting unit 124 is provided for setting color conditions (colorcopy/black and white copy) in the copy service, and includes a pluralityof setting keys (operation keys) to which color conditions, differentfrom one another, are assigned. The setting unit 124 of the colorsetting screen 120 includes a setting key 124 a to which the color copysetting is assigned and a setting key 124 b to which the black and whitecopy setting is assigned. However, the setting keys 124 a and 124 b eachinclude, in addition to a frame, a background area, and a characterstring, a graphic image of a predetermined shape (for example, a circle)indicating the setting content. Further, the graphic image is arrangedin the background area. By operating any of these setting keys 124 a and124 b, the condition for color in the copy service is set (selected).

However, each of the setting keys 124 a and 124 b included in thesetting unit 124 is colored in a third color (for example, light gray)different from the first color and the second color in the state beforebeing operated (selected). On the other hand, when each of the settingkeys 124 a and 124 b is operated (selected), a part of each of them iscolored in a fourth color (for example, blue) other than the firstcolor, a second color, and a third color. That is, each of the settingkeys 124 a and 124 b is colored in a fourth color according to theprogress of the operation (setting operation) for setting the operatingconditions. That is, when any of the setting keys 124 a and 124 b isoperated, a part of the setting unit 124 (for example, the backgroundarea) is colored in the fourth color. As described above, the settingkeys 124 a and 124 b are each not colored in the first color regardlessof whether or not they are operated.

Therefore, the user can intuitively recognize that the setting keycolored in the fourth color is in the selected state. When the settingkey 124 a is operated, as shown in FIG. 6 , the background area of thesetting key 124 a is colored in the fourth color, but this is not alimitation; the frame line, the graphic image or the character string ofthe setting key 124 a may also be colored in the fourth color.

As described above, on the color setting screen 120, the transition key120 b is enabled when the color condition in the copy service is set.That is, when any of the setting keys 124 a and 124 b is operated, thetransition key 120 b is enabled. As shown in FIG. 5 , the transition key120 b is colored in a color different from the first color (for example,a third color (light gray)) when in a state before being enabled. On theother hand, the transition key 120 b is colored in the first color whenenabled. That is, the transition key 120 b is an operation key of thefirst type, to be colored in the first color, and a part of thetransition key 120 b is colored in the first color according to theprogress of the setting operation. At this time, a part of thetransition key 120 b (for example, the background area) is colored inthe first color, and the parts other than the part of the transition key120 b colored in the first color are in a color other than the firstcolor (for example, a second color, black).

Therefore, the user is able to intuitively recognize from the displaymode of the transition key 120 b (a state in which a part of thetransition key 120 b is colored in the first color) that it is possibleto advance to the next operation screen. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the background area of the transition key 120 b is colored in thefirst color, but this is not a limitation, and the frame line orcharacter string of the transition key 120 b may be colored in the firstcolor.

That is, in the state where the color condition in the copy service isset, a part of the operation guidance portion 122 and a part of thetransition key 120 b are in a state being colored in the same firstcolor. Basically, an operation is required to advance to the nextoperation screen or to execute a service, and the operation key(guidance target key) for guiding the user becomes the first type ofoperation key colored in the first color, becoming. The transition key120 b is included in the first type of operation key colored in thefirst color because the transition key 120 b is one of the guidancetarget keys.

Further, on the operation screen (here, the color setting screen 120), apart that is other than the operation guidance portion 122 and that isother than the transition key 120 b, which is the guidance target key,is colored in a color different from the first color. Therefore, only apart of the operation guidance portion 122 and a part of the guidancetarget key are in a state of being colored in the first color, and theuser can intuitively recognize that the transition key 120 b is a key tobe operated (guidance target key). This also applies to other operationscreens (for example, the guidance screen 130 and the final settingscreen 140) described later.

Further, in this embodiment, the end key 120 a, the back key 120 c, andthe setting keys 124 a and 124 b are each not colored in the first color(which correspond to the second type of operation key). That is, theplurality of operation keys displayed on the operation screen include afirst type of operation key colored in the first color and a second typeof operation key not colored in the first color.

The above-mentioned setting keys 124 a and 124 b may be included asguidance target keys, and a part of each of the setting keys 124 a and124 b may then be colored in the first color according to the progressof the setting operation (The setting keys 124 a and 124 b are includedin the first type of operation key). This also applies to the othersetting keys (the end key 120 a and the back key 120 c). However, notall the operation keys included in the operation screen are included asthe first type of operation key (qualifies as the first type ofoperation key).

The progress display bar 126 is displayed at the lower end of thedisplay area of the display 14. The progress display bar 126 is a statusindicator that displays the progress of the setting operations at thepresent time. Specifically, the progress display bar 126 includes astraight bar portion 126 a extending linearly in a lateral direction anda plurality of stage marks 126 b arranged at predetermined intervals onthe straight bar portion 126 a. The position of each stage mark 126 bcorresponds to the progress of the setting operations. The straight barportion 126 a and the stage marks 126 b are each given a suitable coloraccording to the progress of the setting operations at the present time.For example, the color boundary attached to the straight bar portion 126a and the stage marks 126 b moves in the direction in which the straightbar portion 126 a extends (for example, in the left-right direction)according to the progress of the setting operation at the present time.Specifically, as the progress of the setting operation progresses, thecolor boundaries attached to the straight bar portion 126 a and thestage marks 126 b move toward one direction (for example, to the right),and as the progress of the setting operation recedes, the colorboundaries attached to the straight bar portion 126 a and the stage mark126 b move toward the other direction (for example, to the left).Therefore, the user can intuitively recognize the progress of thesetting operations at the present time, from the display mode of theprogress display bar 126. The above description about the progressdisplay bar 126 also applies to the progress display bars 136 and 146,which will be described later.

Further, the transition key 120 b is arranged adjacent to the end in onedirection of the progress display bars 126 (direction indicating thatthe progress of the setting operation has progressed), and the back key120 c is arranged adjacent to the end in the other direction (toward thedirection indicating that the progress of the operations has receded) ofthe progress display bar 126. That is, the transition key 120 b and theback key 120 c are in the same area as that of the progress display bar126 (the lower end of the display area of the display 14), and arearranged on opposite sides with the progress display bar 126 in between.Further, the transition key 120 b is arranged toward the directionindicating that the progress of the setting operation has progressed,when viewed from the progress display bar 126, and the back key 120 c isarranged toward the direction indicating that the progress status of thesetting operation has receded, when viewed from the progress display bar126.

Then, when the enabled transition key 120 b is operated, the operationscreens after the color setting screen 120 are sequentially displayed onthe display 14.

Then, at the stage of reading the document, the guidance screen 130 isdisplayed on the display 14 as shown in FIG. 7 . The guidance screen 130is a screen for providing guidance (guiding) the document setting(placement) method, and includes the end key 130 a, the transition key130 b, the back key 130 c, the operation guidance portion 132, theplacement method guidance portion 134, and the progress display bar 136.

On the guidance screen 130, a message 132 a such as “Place the documentsideways and press ‘Read document’.” is displayed on the operationguidance portion 132 to prompt the appropriate setting of the documentand of the start operation for the document reading. Further, on theplacement method guidance portion 134, a guidance image (still image ormoving image) is displayed to provide guidance for the placement of thedocument on the document placement table at an appropriate position andin an appropriate orientation (to provide operation guidance to theuser).

Since the guidance screen 130 is not a screen for setting the operatingconditions of the service, the transition key 130 b is enabled from thebeginning. That is, on the guidance screen 130, it is possible toproceed to the next operation screen from the beginning. The transitionkey 130 b is one operation key of the first type, and a part of thetransition key 130 b is colored in the first color from the beginning.Further, on the guidance screen 130, the operation keys (end key 130 aand back key 130 c) other than the transition key 130 b are operationkeys of the second type and are not colored in the first color.Therefore, the user can intuitively recognize from the display mode ofthe transition key 130 b that the transition key 130 b is a key tooperate (guidance target key). A preview screen displaying the readdocument image after reading the document, for example, is an example ofsuch a screen in which the transition key, which is an operation key ofthe first type, is enabled from the beginning and a part of thetransition key is colored in the first color from the beginning.

Further, the transition key 130 b is assigned the function of starting(executing) reading of a document in addition to the function ofadvancing to the next operation screen. That is, the transition key 130b is also a reading start key for accepting the operation to startreading the document. Therefore, when the transition key 130 b isoperated, the document reading starts, the image data read by the imagereader 72 is generated and the operation screens after the guidancescreen 130 are sequentially displayed on the display 14.

Then, when the operating conditions necessary for executing the serviceare set, the final setting screen 140 is displayed on the display 14 asshown in FIG. 8 The final setting screen 140 is a screen for confirmingthe operating conditions set on each of the previous operation screenssuch as the color setting screen 120 and for finally determining theoperating conditions, and includes an end key 140 a, a transition key140 b, a back key 140 c, an operation guidance portion 142, a settingunit 144 and a progress display bar 146.

On the final setting screen 140, a message 142 a such as “Confirm thecontent, and if you agree, press ‘Start’.” is displayed on the operationguidance portion 142 to prompt confirmation of the operating conditions.Further, in the setting unit 144, a setting key is displayed for settingthe number of copies to be printed and setting the payment method (forexample, a cash key for setting the payment method to cash and anelectronic money key for setting the payment method to electronicmoney).

In addition to a function of advancing to the next operation screen, thetransition key 140 b is assigned a function of starting (executing) ajob (in this case, a copy job) related to the main service under the setoperating conditions. That is, the transition key 140 b is also a startkey for accepting the start operation of the copy job.

Further, on the final setting screen 140, when the transition key 140 bqualifies as the first type of operation key, and the number of copiesto be printed and the payment method are set, the transition key 140 bis enabled and a part of the transition key 140 b is in a state of beingcolored in the first color. Further, on the guidance screen 130, theoperation keys other than the transition key 130 b (the end key 140 a,the back key 140 c, and the setting key included in the setting unit144) are the second type of operation keys and are not colored in thefirst color. Therefore, the user can intuitively recognize from thedisplay mode of the transition key 140 b that the transition key 140 bis a key to operate (guidance target key). Then, when the transition key140 b is operated, the copy job starts.

As described above, the display mode of the operation screen for settingthe operating conditions has been described by taking the color settingscreen 120, the guidance screen 130, and the final setting screen 140 asexamples, but the operation screen for setting the operating conditionsmay include screens other than these.

For example, on the operation screen for setting the operatingconditions of the copy service, screens such as a paper setting screen,for setting the size of the copy paper (paper size); a preview screenfor confirmation of the read image data (print image data) based on theimage of the surface of the document; an execution notification screenfor notifying the user that the copy job is being executed; and acompletion notification screen for notifying the user that the copy jobis completed; may also be included. Also on these screens, the operationguidance portion corresponding to the operation guidance portions 122,132, 142 and the transition key corresponding to the transition keys 120b, 130 b, 140 b are displayed. Further, on each operation screen,setting keys (corresponding to setting keys 124 a and 124 b) for settingthe operating conditions to be set on each operation screen may also bedisplayed. In this case, when in a state before being operated, theentirety of the setting key is colored in a color different from thefirst color (for example, light gray being the third color). Then, whenthe setting key is operated, a part of the setting key may be colored ina fourth color (for example, blue), or a part of the setting key may becolored in a first color (for example, yellow). Furthermore, on a screenfor setting service operating conditions such as the paper settingscreen, the transition key is disabled until the printing paperconditions are set, and cannot be operated unless the printing paperconditions are set. On the other hand, on screens that are not screensfor setting service operating conditions, such as the preview screen,execution notification screen, and completion notification screen, thetransition key is enabled from the beginning, and a part is colored inthe first color from the beginning.

In addition, although a plurality of operation screens for setting theoperating conditions for the copy service have been described as anexample, a plurality of operation screens may also be used for settingthe operating conditions of services other than the copy service. Onsuch other plurality of operation screens, an operation guidance portioncorresponding to the operation guidance portion 122 or the like and atransition key corresponding to the transition key 120 b or the like maybe displayed. Further, even on a plurality of operation screens forsetting operating conditions of services other than the copy service,setting keys for setting operating conditions to be set may be displayedon each operation screen.

The above-described operation of the information processing system 100is implemented when the CPU 32 of the information processing apparatus10 executes an information processing program for the informationprocessing apparatus 10 stored in the RAM 34, and the CPU 82 of theimage forming apparatus 70 executes an information processing programfor the image forming apparatus 70 stored in the RAM 84. The specificprocessing will be described later using a flow chart.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a memory map 300 of theRAM 34 of the information processing apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG. 9 , the RAM 34 includes a program storage area302 and a data storage area 304. As described above, the informationprocessing program for the information processing apparatus 10 is storedin the program storage area 302 of the RAM 34. The informationprocessing program for the information processing apparatus 10 includesa communication program 302 a, an operation detection program 302 b, adisplay program 302 c, and a determination program 302 d.

The communication program 302 a is a program for communicating(transmitting and receiving) data with an image forming apparatus 70, anexternal computer such as a server, or another device via a network.

The operation detection program 302 b is a program for detecting touchinput and the CPU 32 acquires the touch coordinate data output from thetouch panel 12 according to the operation detection program 302 b, andthe acquired touch coordinate data is stored in the RAM 34 inchronological order.

The display program 302 c is a program for generating display imagedata, that is, screen data such as the various operation screensdescribed above, and outputting the same to the display 14 by using theimage generation data 304 b described later. Further, the displayprogram 302 c is a program for changing the display colors of theoperation guidance portion and the guidance target key displayed on eachoperation screen (at least a part of the operation guidance portion andthe first type of operation key are colored in the first color),changing the display color of the setting key, and changing the displaymode of the progress display bar 126 according to the progress of thesetting operation.

The determination program 302 d is a program for determining whether ornot to proceed to the next operation screen (whether to color the firsttype of operation key in the first color). Further, the determinationprogram 302 d is a program for determining, when there exists a settingkey that is included as the first type of operation key, whether thesetting key included in the first type operation key is operated(whether to color a part of the setting key included as the first typeof operation key in the first color).

Although not shown, the program storage area 302 stores programs such asa program for setting charges for services and the like in theinformation processing system 100, a storage medium connection programfor controlling the writing of data to various storage media mounted onthe storage medium connection unit 16, and the reading of data from thevarious storage media, a paper-piece printing program for controlling apaper-piece printer 18 to print character strings, images, bar codes,etc. on roll paper, a code reading program for controlling a code reader20 to extract a code image from a photographic image taken by a laserscanner or a camera and decode the extracted code image, a photographprinting program for controlling a photographic printer 26 is to printan image on photograph paper, a short-range communication program forcontrolling a short-range communication unit 22 to realize datacommunication with a communication target (for example, anidentification card, a membership card, an electronic money medium,etc.), a money processing program which is a program for controlling acurrency processing unit 24 to calculate the amount of inserted moneyand return the coins from the coin return port 24 b according to theremaining balance after the charges for predetermined services, and thelike, are deducted from the amount of inserted money, as well as forreturning a bill from the bill insertion port, and a program forselecting and executing various functions included in the informationprocessing apparatus 10.

Further, the operation input data 304 a, the image generation data 304b, the coloring flag 304 c, and the like are stored in the data storagearea 304 of the RAM 34. The operation input data 304 a is data in whichtouch coordinate data detected according to the operation detectionprogram 302 b is stored in chronological order. The image generationdata 304 b is display image data corresponding to various screensdisplayed on the display 14. The coloring flag 304 c is flag data fordetermining whether or not to color the guidance target keys, such asthe transition key or the setting key, in the first color.

Although not shown, the data storage area 304 stores other datanecessary for executing the information processing program for theinformation processing apparatus 10, and provides timers (counters) andregisters, and the like, necessary for executing the informationprocessing program for the information processing apparatus 10.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a memory map 400 of aRAM 84 of the image forming apparatus 70 shown in FIG. 3 . Asillustrated in FIG. 10 , the RAM 84 includes a program storage area 402and a data storage area 404. As described above, the informationprocessing program for the image forming apparatus 70 is stored in theprogram storage area 402 of the RAM 84. The information processingprogram for the image forming apparatus 70 includes a communicationprogram 402 a, an image reading program 402 b, and an image formingprogram 402 c.

The communication program 402 a is a program for communicating with anexternal computer such as an information processing apparatus 10 or aserver or another device via a network.

The image reading program 402 b is a program for controlling the imagereader 72 to read (scan) the image of the document placed on thedocument mounting table in order to output the image signal (scannedimage data) corresponding to the read image.

The image forming program 402 c is a program for controlling the imageforming unit 74 to form a multicolored or monochromatic image on arecording medium (paper) according to the image data 404 a such asscanned image data or input image data.

Although not shown, programs for selecting and executing variousfunctions included in the image forming apparatus 70 are also stored inthe program storage area 402.

Further, image data 404 a and the like are stored in the data storagearea 404 of the RAM 84. The image data 404 a is image data read by theimage reader 72, image data input from an external computer such as aserver, or the like.

Although not shown, the data storage area 404 stores other datanecessary for executing the information processing program for the imageforming apparatus 70, and provides timers (counters) and registers, andthe like, necessary for executing the information processing program forthe image forming apparatus 70.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of information processingexecuted by the CPU 32 of the information processing apparatus 10 shownin FIG. 2 . This information processing starts when a service isselected.

As shown in FIG. 11 , when the CPU 32 of the information processingapparatus 10 starts information processing, the first operation screenamong the plurality of operation screens for setting the selectedservice is displayed on the display 14 in step S1, and whether it ispossible to proceed to the next operation screen is determined in stepS3.

If it is “NO” in step S3, that is, if it is determined that it is notpossible to advance to the next operation screen, it is determined instep S5 whether the setting key is selected. If it is “NO” in step S5,if it is determined that the setting key is not selected, the processreturns to step S3. On the other hand, if it is “YES” in step S5, thatis, if it is determined that the setting key has been selected, a partof the selected setting key is colored in the fourth color in step S7,and the process returns to step S3.

On the other hand, if it is “YES” in step S3, that is, when it isdetermined that it is possible to advance to the next operation screen,a part of the transition key, which is the first type of operation key,is colored in the first color in step S9, and it is determined whetherthe transition key has been selected, in step S11.

If it is “NO” in step S11, that is, if it is determined that thetransition key is not selected, the process returns to step S3. On theother hand, if it is “YES” in step S11, that is, if it is determinedthat the transition key has been selected, the next operation screen isdisplayed in step S13, and it is determined whether the service is to beterminated in step S15.

If it is “NO” in step S15, that is, if it is determined that the serviceis not to be terminated, the process returns to step S3. On the otherhand, if it is “YES” in step S15, that is, if it is determined that theservice is to be terminated, the information processing is terminated.

In this first embodiment, a part of the operation guidance portion 122,including the message 122 a for providing the operation guidance to theuser, and the first type of operation keys, among the plurality ofoperation keys, are colored in the first color; the operation keys otherthan the first type of operation keys (the second type of operationkeys), among the plurality of operation keys on the operation screen,are colored in a color different from the first color. Therefore, a userof the information processing system 100 can intuitively recognize thatthe first type of operation key is a key to be operated (guidance targetkey) and thereby operability in the operation screen can be improved.

Second Embodiment

The information processing apparatus 10 of the second embodiment is thesame as that of the first embodiment except that a guidance image forrecognizing the operation key to be operated by the user is displayed oneach operation screen. The contents different from those of the firstembodiment will be described, and duplicate descriptions will beomitted.

An operation example of the information processing system 100 of thesecond embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14 .In the second embodiment, a guidance image is displayed for making theuser recognize which operation key to operate. Hereinafter, the colorsetting screen 120 and the guidance screen 130 will be described as anexample.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the color setting screen 120 in the initialstate. As described in the first embodiment, the color setting screen120 is a screen for setting operating conditions of the service.Therefore, until the color condition is set, that is, until any of thesetting keys 124 a and 124 b is operated, the transition key 120 b isdisabled and colored in a color different from the first color (forexample, a third color). Further, the setting keys 124 a and 124 b arealso colored in a color different from the first color (for example, athird color).

On the screens for setting the operating conditions of the service, suchas the color setting screen 120, in order to advance to the nextoperation screen, it is necessary to operate the setting keys (forexample, on the color setting screen 120, the setting keys 124 a and 124b). On the color setting screen 120 in the initial state, a guidanceimage 128 is displayed for making the user recognize that the settingkeys 124 a and 124 b are operation keys to be operated. For example, asthe guidance image 128, an image of an arrow extending from theoperation guidance portion 122 toward the setting keys 124 a and 124 b(setting unit 124) is displayed. Specifically, as the guidance image128, an image of an arrow is displayed extending from a portion of theoperation guidance portion 122, colored in the first color, (indicatorimage 122 b in FIG. 12 ) toward the setting keys 124 a and 124 b(setting unit 124). Therefore, the user can intuitively recognize thatthe setting keys 124 a and 124 b are the next operation keys to operate.

Next, FIG. 13 shows an example of the color setting screen 120 when thesetting key 124 a is operated. As described in the first embodiment,when the setting key 124 a is operated, a part of the setting key 124 ais colored in the fourth color. Further, when the setting key 124 a isoperated, it becomes possible to proceed to the next operation screen,and a part of the transition key 120 b, which is the first type ofoperation key, is colored in the first color. On the color settingscreen 120 in this state, the guidance image 128 is displayed for makingthe user recognize that the transition key 120 b is an operation key tobe operated. In this case, as the guidance image 128, an image of anarrow is displayed extending from the selected setting key (the settingkey colored in the fourth color, setting key 124 a in the example shownin FIG. 13 ) toward the transition key 120 b. Therefore, the user canintuitively recognize that the transition key 120 b is the nextoperation key to operate.

FIG. 14 shows an example of the guidance screen 130. As described in thefirst embodiment, the guidance screen 130 is not a screen for settingthe operating conditions of the service. Therefore, on the guidancescreen 130, the transition key 130 b, which is the first type ofoperation key, is enabled (colored in the first color) from thebeginning, and it is possible to advance to the next operation screenfrom the beginning. On the guidance screen 130, a guidance image 138 isdisplayed for the user to recognize that the transition key 130 b is anoperation key to be operated. In this case, as the guidance image 138,an image of an arrow is displayed extending from the portion of theoperation guidance portion 132 colored in the first color (indicatorimage 132 b in FIG. 14 ) toward the transition key 130 b. Therefore, theuser can intuitively recognize that the transition key 130 b is the nextoperation key to operate.

However, the guidance image 138 is displayed so as not to overlap withthe placement method guidance portion 134 for giving guidance on theoperation method, or the like, to the user. For example, the guidanceimage 138 is displayed so as to avoid the display area of the guidanceimage of the placement method guidance portion 134.

Hereinafter, the information processing in the second embodiment will bedescribed using a flow chart, but the processes which are the same as inthe information processing described in the first embodiment will begiven the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted orwill be described briefly for duplicated content.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of information processing inthe second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15 , when the CPU 32 startsinformation processing, when step S3 is “NO”, the CPU 32 displays aguidance image oriented toward the setting key in step S31 and proceedsto step S5. On the other hand, if it is “YES” in step S3, a part of thetransition key, which is the first type of operation key, is colored inthe first color in step S9, and the guidance image oriented toward thetransition key is displayed in step S33, and the process proceeds tostep S11.

Since the contents of the processes from step S1 to step S15 are thesame as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will beomitted.

According to this second embodiment, the user can be made to recognizewhich key to operate on each operation screen.

The specific configuration and the like given in the above-describedembodiment are examples, and can be appropriately changed according tothe actual product.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the information processingapparatus 10 includes a display 14 with a touch panel 12, and anoperation screen is displayed on the display 14, but the presentinvention is not limited to this. For example, the image formingapparatus 70 may include a display with a touch panel (corresponding tothe first display). In this case, the display 14 with the touch panel 12of the information processing apparatus 10 may be omitted, or theinformation processing apparatus 10 may include the display 14 with thetouch panel 12 (a configuration where both the information processingapparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus 70 include a display with atouch panel). However, when the display 14 with the touch panel 12 ofthe information processing apparatus 10 is omitted, the operation screenis displayed on the display of the image forming apparatus 70. Further,when both the information processing apparatus 10 and the image formingapparatus 70 include a display with a touch panel, the operation screenmay be displayed on each display, or the operation screen may bedisplayed on one of the displays. When the operation screen is displayedon the display of the image forming apparatus 70, the user can set a jobor the like on the relevant operation screen by touch input into thetouch panel of the image forming apparatus 70.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the operation screen forsetting the operating conditions of the service, the transition key isdisabled until the operating condition of the service is set, but thetransition key may also be enabled (a part of the transition key beingcolored in the first color) from the time when the operation screen forsetting the operating conditions of the service is displayed.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of operationkeys are displayed on the operation screen, but only one operation keymay be displayed on the operation screen. In this case, one operationkey displayed on the operation screen may be the first type of operationkey colored in the first color.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   10 Information processing apparatus-   12 Touch panel-   14 Display-   32 CPU-   34 RAM-   36 ROM-   70 Image forming apparatus

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus that providesa predetermined service to a user, the information processing apparatuscomprising a display, and a display controller that displays anoperation screen for executing the predetermined service, on thedisplay, wherein displayed on the operation screen is an operationguidance portion including a message that provides operation guidance tothe user and a plurality of operation keys that accept user operations,at least a part of the operation guidance portion is colored in a firstcolor, the plurality of operation keys include a first type of operationkey colored in the first color and a second type of operation key notcolored in the first color, the first type of operation key includes atransition key to which a function for advancing to a next operationscreen is assigned, a display area of the display is rectangular, theoperation guidance portion is arranged along a first side of the displayarea, and the transition key is arranged along a second side, from amongthe sides of the display area, opposite the first side.
 2. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theoperation guidance portion includes an indicator image arranged adjacentto the message and the indicator image is colored in the first color. 3.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein apart of the first type of operation key is colored in the first color.4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe operation guidance portion is arranged in a first corner portion ofcorner portions of the display area and the transition key is arrangedin a second corner portion, from among the corner portions of thedisplay area, opposite the first corner portion.
 5. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the displaycontroller switches and displays a plurality of operation screens on thedisplay, and when a condition for advancing to the next operation screenis not satisfied, the transition key is colored in a color differentfrom the first color, and when the condition for advancing to the nextoperation screen is satisfied, the transition key is colored in thefirst color.
 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim1, wherein the first type of operation key includes a setting key forsetting an operating condition for a predetermined service, and thesetting key is colored in the first color when operated.
 7. Aninformation processing system comprising the information processingapparatus according to claim 1, and an image forming apparatus capableof communicating with the information processing apparatus, wherein apredetermined service is executed by the cooperation of the informationprocessing apparatus and the image forming apparatus.
 8. An informationprocessing apparatus that provides a predetermined service to a user,the information processing apparatus comprising a display, and a displaycontroller that displays an operation screen for executing thepredetermined service, on the display, wherein displayed on theoperation screen is an operation guidance portion including a messagethat provides operation guidance to the user and a plurality ofoperation keys that accept user operations, at least a part of theoperation guidance portion is colored in a first color, the plurality ofoperation keys include a first type of operation key colored in thefirst color and a second type of operation key not colored in the firstcolor, the first type of operation key includes a transition key towhich a function for advancing to a next operation screen is assigned,the display controller switches and displays a plurality of operationscreens on the display, and when a condition for advancing to the nextoperation screen is not satisfied, the transition key is colored in acolor different from the first color, and when the condition foradvancing to the next operation screen is satisfied, the transition keyis colored in the first color.
 9. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein the operation guidance portion includes anindicator image arranged adjacent to the message and the indicator imageis colored in the first color.
 10. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein a part of the first type of operation keyis colored in the first color.
 11. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein the first type of operation key includes asetting key for setting an operating condition for a predeterminedservice, and the setting key is colored in the first color whenoperated.
 12. An information processing system comprising theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 8, and an imageforming apparatus capable of communicating with the informationprocessing apparatus, wherein a predetermined service is executed by thecooperation of the information processing apparatus and the imageforming apparatus.